Irwin Keyes has passed away at the age of 63. He was perhaps best known to television viewers for his recurring role as Hugo, the burly, but dim-witted bodyguard of George Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. He was considered for the role of Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Irwin died on Wednesday in Playa del Rey, California, after suffering complications from acromegaly, a rare pituitary gland disorder.
Keyes’ niece, Rene Galarza, announced his death in a post to his Facebook page:
“It’s with deep sympathy that I’m writing this post. Early this morning my family was informed that our beloved uncle, brother, teammate and friend, Irwin Keyes, has had his last curtain call. He is now an angel for us all and will be watching down. Our family wishes to thank all of you who have been a part of his life. He will be missed very much.”
Rob Zombie, who worked with the Irwin on House Of 1000 Corpses, wrote on Facebook: ‘I have just heard the terrible news that our friend Irwin Keyes has passed away.
‘Irwin was a cool guy and a big part of the House of 1000 Corpses family. He will be missed by us all.’
